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Ministers and senior MPs have raised concerns that the United Kingdom's series of deals with Donald Trump are "fundamentally unstable." This comes after revelations that a so-called "milestone" deal on pharmaceutical tariffs, which commits to zero tariffs in exchange for the NHS paying more, lacks any detailed agreement beyond broad headline terms contained within government press releases.

Lacking Legal Footing

The US-UK pharmaceuticals agreement, promoted as a "significant" achievement, exists as an "statement of intent" without detailed provisions. Observers point out that the official announcements from the UK and US governments present the deal in markedly contrasting terms. The British version celebrates securing "duty-free access" as a singular success, while the American announcement dwells on the agreement for the NHS to pay 25% more for new medications.

"The danger exists that the UK government has agreed to terms to increase medicine costs in return for little more than a verbal promise from President Trump," commented David Henig, a trade policy analyst. "History shows he has a record of not following through on agreements."

Wider Concerns Amidst a Suspended Agreement

Anxieties have been amplified by Washington's action to put on ice the £31bn "tech prosperity deal", which was previously heralded as "a huge leap forward" in the bilateral relationship. The US pointed to a failure to advance from the UK on lowering trade barriers as the reason for the pause.

Additionally, concessions secured for British farmers as part of an May trade agreement have yet to be formally approved by the US, despite a fast-approaching January deadline. "It is our belief that the US has not yet signed off the reciprocal tariff rate quota," said Tom Bradshaw of the National Farmers' Union.

Uncertainty Among Officials

Behind the scenes, ministers have expressed concerns that the government's deals with Washington are flimsy and unreliable. One minister reportedly said the series of agreements as "built on sand," while another framed the situation as the "new normal" in the transatlantic relationship, marked by "additional layers of volatility and unpredictability."

Layla Moran, chair of the health select committee, stated: "What is even more astonishing than the US approach is the UK government's credulous faith that his administration is a trustworthy negotiator. The NHS is of vital importance."

A Mixed Picture of Success and Setback

Ministry sources have downplayed the risk of the US reneging on the pharmaceuticals deal. One source noted the US pharmaceutical industry itself had been lobbying for the agreement, desiring stability on imports and pricing, making it less abstract than the paused tech deal.

Officials admit that unpredictability is inherent in dealing with the current US leadership. However, they argue that the UK has achieved real benefits for businesses, such as lower steel tariffs compared to other nations. "The fact we have 25% steel tariffs, which is lower than the rate for the rest of the world, is a solid gain," one official said.

However, problems have surfaced in carrying out the initial US-UK accord. Promised access for British beef have not materialized, and the pledge to "reduce steel tariffs to zero" has is still pending, with tariffs staying at 25%.

Moving forward, the two sides have agreed to resume talks on the paused tech prosperity deal in January, following what were described as "constructive" meetings between UK and US officials in Washington.